CLARION, Pa. — Yasir Bhatti believes in small communities and wants to help strengthen Clarion County. Bhatti is the owner of the University Korner store located at the site of the former 7-Eleven on Main Street in Clarion.
[Pictured are owners of the University Korner Store, Ahmed Bilal and Yasir Bhatti with Jesse Kelley, Clarion County YMCA Director (on right)].
Because of his strong belief that youth need more physical activity, social interaction, and character values, Bhatti recently decided to donate a portion of all gas sales to the Clarion County YMCA, indefinitely.
“I see kids buried in their cell phones, and I think we will see the negative effects of this in the future. People, in general, have less ability to get along. I want to help by supporting a cause I believe in – the Y,” said owner Yasir Bhatti.
Bhatti believes in the YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility and sees the positive effects the YMCA has on children in the community.
“I hope partnerships like this can happen more often,” said Bhatti. “I want this to be a domino effect in Clarion County, and I challenge other local businesses to consider ways to give back to build a better future.”
The idea is simple. Purchase your gas at University Korner, and one penny for every gallon you pump goes to the Clarion County YMCA. Bhatti will write a monthly check to the YMCA.
“The amount the University Korner store is donating each month is significant,” said Jesse Kelley, Clarion County YMCA Branch Director.
“A penny might not seem like a lot, but over the year it could total $5,000.00 or more to the Y, helping provide scholarships to many underprivileged children. We hope residents will consider pumping gas at University Korner to help support the Clarion County YMCA.”
The University Korner store opened last year and began offering gas in June. Gas prices are competitive, plus University Korner takes an additional five cents off per gallon when you scan their loyalty card.
The University Korner store is piloting the gas program in Clarion and hopes to expand it to other stores in the near future.
Bhatti and his family have lived in Clarion County for over five years and own a total of five other stores including the Choice Store in Knox, and stores in Marienville, Kane, Butler, and Altoona.
About the YMCA
For more information about the Clarion County YMCA and Y programs, please visit the YMCA website at www.clarioncountyymca.org, call 814-764-3400 and follow the Y on Facebook.
Hours
The Clarion County YMCA hours are: Weekdays 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The Clarion County YMCA is a branch of the Scenic Rivers Association, which includes the Oil City YMCA, Clarion County YMCA, Younger Days Child Care, and Camp Coffman.
(Article submitted by Michelle Murray, Marketing & Membership Director, Clarion County YMCA, Oil City YMCA, and YMCA Camp Coffman)
Clarion County YMCA and exploreClarion.com have partnered to provide the community with YMCA News. This is an exclusive article only found on exploreClarion.com.
